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15 .COM Film Reviews by Belinda Hazelton SEX AND THE CITY Directed by Michael Patrick King Carrie Bradshaw's (Sarah Jessica Parker) New York is a place where appearance is all, money is vital, and knowing a Manolo Blahnik from a Jimmy Choo is a critical part of success. The movie of the TV series hit the big screen 10 years after the latter debuted. The four friends have matured (Carrie even needs reading glasses!) and are now wiser, more established and more respectable. In their 40's, the bonds of friendship are stronger than ever, and while the issues this time around don't seem quite so meaty, there is still no doubting the support and love these women share. Predictably, this film looks great, with the sensational fashion and the Manhattan settings, and the familiar characters are very engaging. However, at 148 minutes, it is too long, and isn't as sharp or funny as many of the episodes on television. The film essentially deals with one issue only -- the search for the perfect man. All else is glossed over and dismissed. In earlier times, these successful, smart women worked through a wide range of topics, including health problems, parenting, careers and separation but now they seem obsessed only with their relationships with the respective men in their lives, and in Carrie's case, becoming "Mrs Big"! UNFINISHED SKY Directed by Peter Duncan When an injured, disoriented woman (Monic Hendrickx) staggers up the roadway of a rural property in Queensland, the resident farmer, John Woldring (William McInnes) reacts practically and without emotion. Resentful of any intrusion into his isolated existence, he cares for her, but is not especially interested in her plight or history. She speaks no English, so communication is initially difficult. As she heals, and they begin to trust one another, he protects her from the police and local men who have come searching for her. This new film from Australian director Peter Duncan is both subtle and beautiful. The two leads are exceptionally good, delivering powerful performances, often without many words, but packed with meaning and feeling. In the gently-paced first half, as their characters develop and reveal themselves, their stories unfold in an unforced way and the chemistry between them appears natural and believable. The setting, close to the small Queensland town of Beaudesert, with its rolling green hills and fertile country, is unusual but refreshing after sunburnt plains! After a long break from feature films, Duncan has produced a love story that incorporates themes of acceptance and second chances. Whilst it is unlikely to fill mainstream cinemas, it is entertaining, intelligent and very worth seeing. ALSO SHOWING: STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE Directed by Errol Morris In 2003, young American soldiers working in the Abu Ghraib jail near Baghdad took disturbing photos of their prisoners being humiliated and dehumanised. There was outrage when these photos were revealed to the world, and the US Administration and the Military were hugely embarrassed. Heads had to roll. Renowned documentary filmmaker Errol Morris set out to gain some understanding of the events. He interviewed the military personnel who were involved, amassing a vast quantity of material. Amongst his subjects are five of the seven MPs indicted for their actions at Abu Ghraib -- Megan Ambuhl, Javal Davis, Lynndie England, Sabrina Harman and Jeremy Sivitz (Ivan Frederick and Charles Graner, were in prison). It is notable that three of them are women, although England, the most recognizable of the group, maintains that the actions of the women were all "because of a man." Along with the interviews, Morris uses actors to restage actual historical events. This documentary won the Silver Bear at the 2008 Berlin Film Festival and has received significant acclaim at other screenings. It will have a limited Australian release in July. CALL FOR ENTRIES: 15TH WOW FILM FESTIVAL WOW Film Festival 2008 will screen in October in Sydney before travelling nationally and overseas. Short films up to 55 minutes, in any genre with key creative input by women are called to enter. To be eligible the film must have been made by a woman director; or women in any two roles as producer, writer, editor, cinematographer. Prizes and awards will be presented. Deadlines are July 16 regular, July 30, late. For information go to nsw.wift.org/wow.